Ten Tips For Financial Success

I just finished sorting through my emails. I’d been away for a day, out of touch, and my inbox was packed! I am pretty methodical, dealing with each item in turn; answering those in need of replies, forwarding others to those holding the better solution, and deleting the rest. The last two items in the box gave me pause to stop and consider; not because they were of any importance, but because their similarities made me laugh.

The first was an advertisement for an alternative investment, the second for a product promising great “enhancements.” The first ad promised great satisfaction, marking the buyer as someone who stood out in a crowd, with the ability to capture benefits beyond imagination. Now that I think about it, both ads promised the same thing!

As consumers, we are constantly challenged with offers that appeal to our sense of pride, greed and ego. We want to be “in,” in the know and successful. It drives our nature and feeds us. It’s why slot machines were invented. We believe that for twenty-five cents we can become millionaires. Of course it’s possible, but the chances are less than remote. It’s why people respond to email offers for investment opportunities and for “enhancement” products that offer hope of immense benefit.

Everyone wants success, but rarely do we take the time to define what that actually means. Ask yourself:

What is success to you?

Why is it important to you?

What are you willing to do to achieve success?

When it comes to investing, very few have the luck/skill/ability to consistently pick stocks or time a market rally or correction. Here are my top 10 tips to consider as you work towards success.

Begin with some serious consideration about your values and definition of success.

Make it a family affair; don’t keep it a secret. Talk it over with the other stakeholders.

Take ownership of any messes that exist; and focus on cleaning them up.

Build a plan that is rational, methodical and meaningful.

Work with a team of professionals who can assist you.

Your financial current reality can be improved if it is important.

Recognize that shortcuts and quick fixes are not going to do it.

Monitor your plan periodically and chart your progress.

Appreciate your successes; even the small ones!

These steps will support you as you work to improve your financial life and your general satisfaction. Success, like most things, is a process and rarely can it be achieved by clicking “yes” to “enhanced” solutions.

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